Vehicle for Hire Services

Taxis and limos are considered vehicles-for-hire services. Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has established minimum standards of service and consumer protections regarding vehicle-for-hire companies in Hillsborough County. Consumer Protection Services collaborates with the Tax Collector, law enforcement, and citizen groups to promote safe service.

Know Your Rights

Passengers should:

Make sure the vehicle has a permit. There must be a decal and/or license number on the rear exterior on the driver’s side and another on the front window on the passenger’s side

Make sure the driver has a public vehicle driver’s license (PVDL). The driver should have the PVDL readily visible while driving or on duty as a driver. The PVDL will have the driver’s picture and registration number, and it must be presented upon request

Regulations

The Florida Legislature repealed the state law regulating taxis, limos, and other vehicles-for-hire in Hillsborough County. The Public Transportation Commission (PTC), which previously regulated these companies, is now closed.

Consumer protection compliance

Under the County’s ordinance, Consumer Protection Services performs the following functions:

Receives and reviews all complaints of ordinance violations

Evaluates and investigates complaints received and takes action(s) deemed appropriate as provided for by the ordinance

The department may request additional information from the complainant for purposes of processing the complaint and/or investigate potential violations regardless of the absence of a written or verbal complaint

Makes periodic physical inspections of vehicles-for-hire to ascertain compliance with the provisions of the ordinance

Inspects the records of certificate holders and/or owners of vehicles-for-hire at their respective place of business during regular business hours

Enforces provisions of the ordinance

Provides written notice, with proof of delivery, of the suspension or revocation of certificates, permits, and public vehicle driver’s licenses, specifying the grounds for the suspension or revocation

Issues citations for violations of the ordinance

Vehicle license requirements

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector is responsible for business certificates, public vehicle driver’s licenses (PVDL), and vehicle permits. Questions or concerns about the licensing process can be addressed with the Tax Collector by calling (813) 635-5200.